2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar 3.0L Diesel · SH15 RSH

The Range Rover Velar’s MOT history presents an unusual pattern of three consecutive failures in early 2026—on April 8 and 9 at 101,579 and 101,580 miles, respectively, and again on March 12 at 100,224 miles—followed by a clean pass on the same day it was retested. The absence of any recorded defects across all five tests suggests the failures were procedural rather than mechanical, possibly linked to administrative errors or tester discretion. This is not a sign of deteriorating reliability but rather an anomaly in the testing process. The most recent pass, dated April 9, 2026, confirms the vehicle met all DVSA roadworthiness criteria at the time, with no advisories or major wear items outstanding. That said, the rapid succession of failures raises questions about whether the tester encountered inconsistencies—such as incomplete documentation or minor discrepancies—that triggered repeated retests without substantive repairs. The Velar’s mileage accumulation is notably aggressive for its age, averaging around 12,700 miles per year over its eight-year lifespan. This is well above the UK fleet average for a vehicle of this type, particularly in the past two years, where mileage jumped from 82,940 in February 2025 to 101,580 by April 2026—a gain of nearly 19,000 miles in just 14 months. Such high annual mileage increases wear on high-friction components like brake pads, clutches (if applicable), and suspension bushes, as well as accelerating tyre and drivetrain fatigue. The lack of recorded defects in the MOT history implies these components have either been well-maintained or are still within tolerable limits, but a buyer should verify their current condition given the elevated mileage. Given the clean MOT record but high mileage, a prospective purchaser should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system, including coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings, which are prone to fatigue under heavy or frequent use. The brakes—particularly the rear calipers and discs—should be checked for uneven wear or binding, as the Velar’s weight and driving dynamics can exacerbate issues in these areas. Exhaust emissions and DPF health (if diesel) should also be confirmed, as high mileage vehicles often see reduced efficiency or potential blockages. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and underbody panels, is critical; while no corrosion was flagged in the MOTs, the Velar’s off-road capability and exposure to varied conditions may have accelerated rust in less visible areas. Finally, the absence of advisories or defects in the MOT history suggests the vehicle has not suffered from neglect, but the rapid mileage accumulation means consumables like tyres, brake fluid, and coolant will need imminent attention. A pre-purchase inspection should include a fluid top-up check, a closer look at the drivetrain for oil leaks, and a test drive to assess steering responsiveness and brake performance under load. The lack of mechanical red flags in the record is encouraging, but the high mileage demands extra scrutiny of components that typically wear out before the next scheduled service.